
The U.S. Senate Wednesday approved another of President Donald Trump's cabinet nominees, voting 56-42 to confirm former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin to be administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Trucking organizations reacted to Zeldin's confirmation.
Truckload Carriers Association
"TCA congratulates former Congressman Lee Zeldin on his appointment as the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. TCA is committed to working alongside the EPA under Administrator Zeldin’s leadership to address the complex challenges associated with emission reductions.
"As an active participant in the Clean Freight Coalition, TCA has consistently supported renewable diesel and other alternative fuels as vital steps toward achieving a more sustainable future. We remain committed to advocating for practical and achievable timelines for implementing emission-reduction technologies to ensure the trucking industry’s continued success.
"We are optimistic about collaborating with Administrator Zeldin to develop common-sense policies that reflect technological advancements, infrastructure readiness, and the essential goal of maintaining an efficient and reliable supply chain. We can ensure that emission standards and timelines are practical and attainable by fostering open dialogue and working together."
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American Trucking Associations
“The trucking industry congratulates Administrator Zeldin on his confirmation, and we look forward to the restoration of common sense in our nation’s environmental policies under his leadership of EPA.
“Over the past several years, the mad dash to zero and a patchwork of unachievable mandates on unrealistic timelines have posed a grave threat to the trucking industry, the supply chain, and our economy. The enormous price tag of this haphazard transition would have significantly raised costs for American consumers without delivering the promised environmental benefits. This was deeply regrettable, because our industry and EPA had worked together for decades to promote major advances in engines and emissions control systems that are 99% cleaner. As a result, 60 trucks today emit the same amount as one truck manufactured in 1988.
“Administrator Zeldin is a proven, collaborative leader America’s truckers deserve to restore balance at EPA. By reviving the productive partnership with our industry, he can build on our impressive environmental achievements without disrupting the supply chain. We look forward to working with Administrator Zeldin to replace electric-truck mandates with national emission standards that are technologically achievable, encourage innovation, and account for the operational realities of our essential industry.”
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association
“OOIDA and the 150,000 small business truckers we represent congratulate Administrator Lee Zeldin on his confirmation to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Small business truckers, who make up 96% of trucking, have faced an uncertain future in recent years from top-down environmental regulations and mandates. We look forward to working with Administrator Zeldin on commonsense environmental policies that consider the local mom and pop trucking businesses that keep America’s supply chain running.”
Clean Freight Coalition
“On behalf of The Clean Freight Coalition and our growing membership of truck and bus transportation stakeholders, we extend our congratulations to Administrator Zeldin on his confirmation. Administrator Zeldin’s leadership comes at a crucial time and offers the incoming Administration an opportunity to expand on their efforts to provide greater stability for the commercial motor vehicle industry.
"President Trump’s Unleashing America’s Energy Executive Order is a solid first step for the industry. Repealing the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Phase 3 de facto ZEV mandate and revoking waivers for California’s truck and bus regulations would reassert the need for achievable uniform regulations to support our nation’s commerce.
"The Clean Freight Coalition is ready to roll up our sleeves and assist the incoming Administration in setting truck emission standards that are sustainable, affordable, and protect the nation’s supply chain.”
NATSO and SIGMA
“NATSO and SIGMA and their respective boards of directors congratulate Lee Zeldin on his confirmation as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We are eager to work with Mr. Zeldin to address environmental and fuel-related policies of vital consequence to America’s transportation energy marketplace and American consumers.
“Fuel retailers support a market-driven, technology-neutral approach to fuel policy, which promotes stable fuel supplies at the lowest possible cost for consumers. Through a nationwide network of refueling locations, our industry provides a range of fuels, including existing liquid fuels, while alsoinvesting in emerging fuel technologies.
“Well-crafted policies have the power to catalyze the private investment necessary to deepen thenation’s refueling options. We appreciate Mr. Zeldin’s public commitment to implementing the Renewable Fuel Standard during his Senate confirmation hearing.
“We urge Mr. Zeldin to carefully consider the important role that programs like the Renewable Fuel Standard play in strengthening the nation’s fuel supply. The right policy framework, including the $1 per gallon biodiesel blenders’ tax credit and the year-round sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol, enhance supply and reduce volatility in the marketplace, while offering consumer choice. We further encourage Mr. Zeldin to ensure that policies consider the need to bridge the gap between existing and emerging fuels as the marketplace evolves.
“As the administration seeks to strengthen the U.S. energy market, we look forward to working with Mr. Zeldin to ensure that we can build a transportation energy market that is competitive, transparent, and serves the needs of American consumers.”